Teens who are changing
their world.
The
Youth Against Gang Activity (YAGA)
program is one of the first teen-led initiatives in
the state of Texas. The youth in YAGA influence
other young people to stay in school, out of gangs,
and off drugs and alcohol. YAGA has spread to
various schools in five different school districts
and community sites. This program has made a
positive impact on the San Antonio community. Youth
energetically participate in community service,
mentoring, leadership activities, and positive peer
bonding. The youth all promote the anti-drug,
anti-gang, pro-positive lifestyle message to peers
and younger students at neighborhood schools. Over
the last 10 years the YAGA program has earned the
respect of teachers, parents, local business owners
and the funding community. YAGA has received the
United Way of Bexar County’s Volunteers of the Year
Mayor’s Youth Award for service provided to the
community.
Achievements include:
-
Organizing
and providing community service
-
Learning valuable
life skills and building positive character
traits
-
Mentoring
elementary and middle school children
-
Offering
leadership and character development through
educational and alternative activities
-
Presenting
educational programs on teen bullying, substance
abuse and gang prevention
-
Mobilizing teens
to make a difference in their schools and
communities
-
Educational
college campus tours and presentations
-
Family and
cultural activities
This
year, YAGA will involve 3,000 youth and family
members in its efforts. Approximately 1,000 youth
actually participate in on-going services. The other
2,000 are family members and youth that received
presentations. Past Awards: Mayor’s Award for Youth
and Service and SAISD Champion of Education.
